Dating apps have helped many modern couples foster real connections, and Michelle and Dan are no exception. They clicked almost instantly, dating for five years while building their lives together—navigating jobs, challenges, and adopting beloved cats along the way. Their foundation was sturdy and strong when Dan planned a surprise proposal at Twisted Path Distillery, one of their favorite date-night locations.
After sharing some small talk with the bartender, he asked if they would like to see the updates to the tasting room. The couple agreed, and upon walking in, Michelle reflected, “The room was decorated with flowers and lights, and Dan got down on one knee to my complete surprise. He had even more in store with a private 4-course meal by Ramses Alvarez (owner at Briso Do Mar), and we were later joined by a group of our closest friends to celebrate.”
Michelle said yes to a glittering, ethereal ballgown from Evermore Bridal, complete with off-the-shoulder sleeves, lace, beading, and a tulle skirt draped over a nude overlay. Her hair was simple and elegant, pulled back into a low bun with wavy, face-framing pieces loose on either side. Subtle smoky eyeshadow, cat-eye eyeliner, and a mauve lip completed her look.
Dan wore a dark purple suit from Men’s Wearhouse, with a crisp white undershirt, navy tie, blush pocket square, and accesorized by a floral boutonniere.
Authenticity was at the heart of Michelle & Dan’s wedding planning journey, where they sought to create a day that felt true to themselves and the people in their lives. For them, this meant an “Elevated Spooky” theme with whimsical elements, cocktail attire, and a palette of moody hues in dark purple, black, and gray.
Their venue, Greenhouse No. 7 at Mitchell Park Domes was the perfect way to blend seasons, with a warm, earthy environment inside and a snowy, cold January Wisconsin outside. Reminisce Photography stepped effortlessly into each setting, from hotel preparations to greenhouse spaces, and outdoor coverage, both during the day and after sunset.
There were many special moments during Michelle & Dan’s ceremony, framed beneath dramatic draping and skylight windows. A close friend officiated, another friend saged down the aisle, the bouquets included symbolic crystals, and Michelle’s bridal bouquet included custom imprints of pets who had passed away.
Most sentimental was a tribute to Michelle’s father, who passed away in 2017. Michelle chose an excerpt by John Green, which the officiant read in her father’s memory. Then, Michelle and Dan lit a memorial candle while a string quartet played “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Other tributes included a dedicated table with photos of loved ones.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour tour of Greenhouse No. 7, where the couple also snuck away for portraits. The greenhouse was a warm sanctuary for guests traveling from out of state for the winter wedding, later transforming into celestial-inspired night portraits under the dark sky.
The couple credits their day-of coordinator, Unique by Monique Weddings, for helping the day run smoothly, writing,
“[Monique] created this beautiful Google Doc ahead of time with all of the information we needed in one place, corralled all of the vendors and the wedding party the day of, made sure all the decorations were set up the way we wanted, and also took on the stress of getting everything packed at the end of the night. If it is within your budget, a day-of coordinator is 10000% worth it so you can actually enjoy your day. After seeing some friends deal with miscommunications or frustrations in their own weddings, Monique is THE. BEST.”
Florist La Tulipe Design helped shape the ambiance with moody floral bouquets and arrangements featuring blush and burgundy roses, calla lilies, anemones, spray roses, winter berries, waxflower, leatherleaf fern, and other greenery. In addition to aisle pieces, a towering ceremony backdrop surrounded by candles, and the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, florals also helped set the scene at the reception. Florals in vases and towering centerpieces adorned every table, where the couple also selected their favorite books to double as décor and table numbers.
Other personalized reception details included a photo booth, pillows shaped like Michelle & Dan’s cats, Milwaukee Bucks gear, Funko Pops, and coffee bean favors. Classy Girl Cupcakes baked a two-tier cake with ombre frosting, artfully placed gold sprinkles, and a sparkling raven topper.
Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and desserts from Zilli Hospitality Group throughout the evening. As a nod to Italian wedding tradition, Dan’s family members also brought hundreds of cookies, each baked with love. The night continued under warm overhead and chandelier lighting, with Michelle and Dan sharing a first dance straight out of a fairytale. Their DJ, Sound Love Audio, kept everyone on their feet until last call.
Michelle and Dan’s advice to engaged couples is heartfelt and practical:
“Be silly, set boundaries, and remind yourself what’s important. We kept telling ourselves, ‘as long as there was food, music, and we ended up married, it would be a successful day.’ That helped to ground us when planning felt overwhelming.”
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